Nick Russell is a Consultant and former director of engineering consultancy firm, Perega.
A qualified chartered structural and civil engineer, Nick’s career has thus far spanned 45 years as a consulting engineer, expert witness and invited lecturer both in the UK and across the world.
As a young boy, Nick dreamed of becoming a farmer, however, it was his school's career advisor who suggested a career in civil engineering. It was at Thames Polytechnic that Nick discovered his passion for civil engineering. The practical, hands-on approach to learning suited his creative mindset perfectly.
Nick enjoyed his sandwich course structure as it allowed him to gain industry experience between academic years. Though the 9-5 schedule was quite intense, he still found time for extra-curricular activities, and his dedication shone through as he graduated with first-class honours.
After Thames Polytechnic, Nick's career took off rapidly, gaining experience at firms including Balfour Beatty Engineering and Travers Morgan before joining Perega in 1985, where he has spent the majority of his career.
At Perega, Nick worked on a wide variety of projects, both in the UK and overseas. Nick also acted as an Expert Witness both within and outside the UK. He was twice voted as Civil Engineering Expert of the Year.
Nick's commitment to the engineering profession extends far beyond his project work. He has been involved with the Institution of Structural Engineers since 1985 and served as its global President in 2014. His dedication to education is evident in his roles as a member of the University of Surrey Engineering Advisory Board and a Visiting Professor at both the University of East London and the University of Surrey.
One of Nick's most significant contributions has been his work with the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), which he chaired. The JBM is responsible for accrediting civil engineering degrees in the UK and overseas. Under Nick's leadership, the JBM implemented changes to make the accreditation process more open and constructive, improving relationships with universities and updating the subjects taught in civil engineering programmes.
Throughout his career, Nick has been a strong advocate for increasing diversity in engineering, particularly encouraging more women to enter the field.
Now working as a consultant, Nick continues to contribute to the profession through his work at Perega, where he is responsible for training and mentoring staff and supporting graduates through their professional qualifications.
Nick Russell's story is a shining example of how the University of Greenwich, through its predecessor Thames Polytechnic, has shaped the careers of its alumni and contributed to the advancement of the engineering profession. His journey from aspiring engineer to a position of global influence in structural engineering serves as an inspiration to current and future students of the university.